Contract & Grant Portfolio Officer

About the Opportunity

Responsibilities:

Northeastern University’s Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) provides leadership and expertise to faculty, investigators and administrators, supporting the research and sponsored programs portfolios of the University and its affiliated research institutes. 

The NU-RES virtual Hub, a shared administrative and business service unit, assists faculty and research investigators across the University’s global research network.   NU -- a dynamic, innovative, and entrepreneurial university with a diverse, complex and growing award portfolio -- seeks to hire talented, experienced, agile research administrators who are dedicated to supporting investigators secure and manage their extramurally-funded sponsored activities.  The University is committed to inclusion and diversity; and hiring and developing personnel who enjoy working in a high-performing culture that rewards excellence. 

To learn more about Northeastern’s unique academic environment and generous benefits please see: http://www.northeastern.edu/hrm/. 

Northeastern is a global university and NU-RES supports its team working remotely. Remote locations and work schedules are determined based on operational needs and in consultation with NU-RES team members, consistent with University policies and guidance.

The Hub serves as a critical researcher-NU-RES interface and directly supports faculty throughout the proposal-award life cycle.  Team members of the Hub provide direct assistance to faculty and research investigators; cross-function support to Hub and NU-RES team members; and work closely with all units reporting to the Senior Vice Provost for Research. 

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, NU-RES Hub, the Contract & Grant Portfolio Officer works in partnership with faculty, University staff and funding agencies by managing a client’s grant & contract portfolio; assisting investigators and administrators; and facilitating the effective management of sponsored programs throughout the entire project lifecycle – from proposal development to award management through award closeout.

The Contract & Grant Portfolio Officer supports teams of researchers and provides direct administrative and business services support to faculty and research investigators in preparing their proposals and managing their awards; provide guidance on complex federal regulations, agency requirements, internal policies and procedures, and budget development;   Provide post-award administration and business management of awards. May conduct institutional review of notices of award providing critical analysis of terms and conditions of federal and non-federal sponsored awards; in conjunction with Senior or Associate Directors, may conduct negotiation of awards on behalf of the University; monitoring for regulatory compliance with the funding agency’s terms and conditions of award from acceptance through closeout.  Collaborate with University legal counsel, Office of Institutional Compliance and other NU offices as needed.    Serve as a source of information on sponsor and University polices and regulations.  The Senior Contract & Grant Portfolio Officer will offer effective analytical and creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced, deadline driven work environment.    

Qualifications:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.  Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, time sensitive environment preferred.  Must have solid judgment and capacity to exercise discretion to resolve ambiguity and promote effective solutions.  Must have a strong commitment to constructively contribute to promoting excellence in customer service, providing professional, timely, efficient, and courteous support to the Hub’s clients and University’s research community.    Cooperative, sense of humor and tolerance for ambiguity helpful.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.  Qualified to hold DOD security clearance and proximity to one of Northeastern’s global research campuses a plus. 

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3-7 years relevant experience in the field of research administration in an academic or non-profit setting is required.  Knowledge of government grant regulations, including FAR, agency policies, and familiarity with customary policies and procedures of an institute of higher education, and experience with the use of Grants.Gov, NSF Fastlane / Research.gov, NIH eRA Commons / ASSIST a plus.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.